Diaz gasps as he is wounded for the first time ever and involuntarily steps back behind Ash and slashes his whip over Ash's shoulder at the zombie.
Splitz dashes over to the final zombie while the rest of the group are all able to land strikes on it. Del delivers a blow that severs the right arm of the zombie. Diaz is then able to wrap his whip around the zombies neck temporarily disabeling its movement and allowing Ash to slice the zombies head off. Blood spirts from the neck and for a moment you wait for the zombie to topple over but to your surprise the zombie still comes in swinging!
The disemboided arm and head both try to strike at Ash but miss. The still standing zombie torso flails around and does manage to smash its arm into Del Izmark moves closer to the final zombie.
Initiative Order Round 4
Del (2 Damage)
Ash
Splitz (7 Damage)
Diaz (6 Damage)
Strahd Zombies (Red:Dead, Yellow:Dead, Blue:28 Damage)
Izmark
Everyone can go!
The radiant fire consumes the zombie. We are out of initiative.
Izmark smiles briefly as the final zombie goes down then his smile turns to sadness as he see the dismembered body of his father.
Dead who walk, dead who rise, dead in the darkest night. Donovich says as he scrambles to gather all of the bugermeisters body parts back into the coffin.
Truly the Morninglord has abandoned us. Ireena says staring at the the corpse of her father.
He abandoned us a long time ago. Izmark says grabbing Ireena's arm to lead her away. He smiles at you all as he passes and even gives a nod of respect to Diaz I am happy to have met you all, you are true warriors. If you have nothing else to do in town meet us back at the manor and we can depart.
The baron moves over to a grassy patch, bends over, and wipes the zombie guts from his longsword on the ground.
Town, yes, now that you mention it, I seem to have worked up a bit of an appetite. He says as he tries to flick off the last off the ichor.
Perhaps a brief excursion to the tavern, for a glass of port and a hot sausage or two before we set out. He looks over to the others eagerly hoping they will be onboard with his breakfast plans.
With the glow of the burning zombie corpse reflecting off his sunken eyes, Ash looks to Del and nods. Perhaps Eldath allows us to live this day after all brother. There is almost a hint of disappointment in his voice as he says this. Then, turning to Diaz, he continues in his hollow voice. And you, friend. Your abilities with that whip are deadly. You rushed into battle heedless of your own safety. I do not doubt that my brother and I would have perished an agonizing death had it not been for you. Again, the tone of his voice doesn't quite match the words that he says. You can't be sure if he's thanking Diaz, or leveling an accusation, depending on your insight/wisdom. Regardless, your bravery is commendable.
Without waiting for a response, he turns and walks to stand of to the side of his brother and whispers to him: Do you feel it, brother? Do you feel Eldath's presence here, even in this evil land? Her whispering voice is just a bit louder in my mind and I can feel her power that she is lending to us.
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This is an odd land and I'm not sure I like it much. But it needs to be healed and apparently we're part of the team to do it! At least so far. Think we're learning some new tricks to keep us alive and by the grace of Eldath, we can continue a bit longer. We can enjoy some time with new friends and be great full to be alive. That's ok, brother.
With that Del turns to the rest and says, Yes, eggs and sausage sound great! As long as there are no zombies involved. Oh, sorry Izmark. This place is so strange! We've got to get it fixed soon. So breakfast and then maybe onto the road.
Food would be nice. and I probably need to get this wound looked at. And I wonder if there is a book seller in town. and looking at Ash Thank you, my family had me trained in a few different weapons, but this whip, just feels right in my hand. But tell me, I sense a sadness in your words after the few fights we have had. I have read of those with a desire to die. Are you one of those?
Ash gazes at Diaz blankly for a few moments, then murmurs wistfully: Desire? No. I do not desire what I have already have. Ash lays his hand on Diaz's shoulder and a surge of radiant energy flows into the tiefling, stitching his wounds together .
Turning away to follow the Baron to the tavern, he pauses and glances at Del. I have died countless deaths already and by Eldath's grace will die once again and have peace or will continue to live and bring peace to others. I care not which.
Ok you guys go to tavern and get breakfast and some wine. Mark off, I'd say 1SP each for a meal and wine.
I hope this place has a nice salad. My mother asked me to give up meat recently.
Give up meat?! Splitz looks sideways at Diaz. He then shoves some more sausage into his mouth, washes it down with wine, and wipes his mouth on his shirt. Well we better get going to the manor and then onto the road. Splitz pays for everyone's meal on his way out, then leads back to the manor.
As he approaches he calls out loudly, The road beckons, are you ready in there!
Ready as we can be to travel the roads in Barovia. Izmark says exiting the house carrying a large bag which he drops on the ground before pulling out a map and laying it on a nearby barrel. Ireena is dressed in travelers clothes with a thick travelers cloak, wearing the hood up to conceal her face.
We are here. Izmark points to the village of Barovia on the map then traces his finger north west That's Vallaki. He moves his hand and points at a body of water just west of the village I know you mentioned the Tser Pool, that's here. And that massive eye sore... he points to a humungous castle on the map Is Castle Ravenloft, the home of the Devil Strahd. Now the most direct path would be to travel on the road take the detour north at the first fork on the Svallich road. That would take us near the Tser pool, and it would only take us about three hours to get there.
From there things get a bit more difficult. If we continue to follow the road that takes us dangerously close to Ravenloft. I do not want to take that risk. What are your thoughts?
Ash picks at his breakfast and only takes a few bites with strong, but not unkind, encouragement from Del.
After Izmark lays out the travel plans, Ash looks thoughtfully for a moment, and without taking his eyes off the map, says: Direct may not be the most appropriate. To bring one's trouble to an enemy who does not retreat or know grace is to ask for strife. What other options do we have to travel to Vallaki? How might we avoid this "devil" and still reach our destination?
Hmm. Izmark thinks Well from the Tser Pond we could continue to follow the river to the west and try to cross over it at some point. But depending on the amount of rain it may be impossible to ford to river. At that point we would need to travel all the way around the river which could take days.
Ireena points to the river Is it possible that we could find a boat Izmark?
It seems unlikely, not a lot of fishermen in Barovia. But if we did manage to find one that could be another option. Take a boat down Ivlis river, make a stop at the Tser Pool. Only issue with that is the Tser Falls, rapids and then a a sheer drop a hundred feet. He pauses So if we took a boat we would need to walk for a bit to avoid the falls.
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Izmark, we must defer to you and your sister as to what is wise around this cursed land. The road seems fastest and most direct. Could we not jump off if we here people approach, so we can hide in the bushes along the road? Going left at the branch before the falls seems ok if we can ford the river after the falls and go overland. I'm not the greatest with my direction sense, so I will caution us about going off road too much.
Looking around at the team, nodding to Ireena, Del smiles at them all. Either way we decide, I'll be glad to walk and maybe meet the gypsy leader at the Tser pool. Let's be off and decide as we walk.
As we walk when the conversation lulls, Del will ask Ireena about her life and the lives of the common folk around them, and how they manage to eke out an existence.
Many have tried to hide in the bushes from Strahd, they no longer live. Izmark says What do the rest of you think?
Not to seem a coward, but his wolves almost killed us. I think we should avoid him at all cost.
insight check on Izmark's suggestions
Izmark seems nervous about traveling in general, but the farther from Ravenloft the less nervous Izmark is.
Staying away from the castle and trying to ford the river seems like the best plan. We'll let's get a move on. Hazy daylight is a wastin' The baron says
Is there any baggage?
I don't need to pack as much stuff as you do pretty boy. Ireena says poking fun at Splitz.
You guys begin to walk the broken cobblestone of the Ole Svallich Road.
Your journey begins to the town of Vallaki begins uneventfully nothing but the sound of the River Ivlis and the occasional sound of distant ravens within the Svallich Woods. The river itself flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley. Eventually you reach the crossroads.
An old wooden gallows creaks in a chill wind that blows down from the high ground to the west. A frayed length of rope dances from its beam. The well-worn road splits here, and a signpost opposite the gallows points off in three directions: Barovia Village to the east, Tser Pool to the northwest, and Ravenloft/Vallaki to the southwest. The northwest fork slants down and disappears into the trees, while the southwest fork clings to an upward slope. Across from the gallows, a low wall, crumbling in places, partially encloses a small plot of graves shrouded in fog.
Do you continue down the road to the north west?
As they depart Ireena's words encourage Splitz, he stands up straighter and smiles brightly at the troubled beauty. Then perhaps you'll take my arm for a bit. He offers his arm and assuming she declines he remains undeterred, as for a moment her mood seemed lighter in this hopeless land.
When they reach the fork, Splitz inspects the scene and decides he doesn't want to know the story behind this place and definitely doesn't want to linger around another graveyard.
Well, Del here as an appointment with the Vistani to keep, best we continue on this way. Pointing toward the sign for Tser Pool.
He then offers his arm to Ireena again, showing he's not likely to give up anytime soon.
Ash dourly plods along silently. If Splitz or Diaz's passive perception is higher than , then they might notice Ash occasionally glancing jealously at Splitz's behaviors around Ireena.
At the crossroad, he seems even more moody and grumbles an assent to continue northwest towards Tser Pool.
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We have time to detour over to the pool, correct? Would be nice to make contact over there and maybe gather some more information.
Watching the interaction and continued gloom of his brother, Del tries whistling little tunes or ditties that he remembers from childhood, hoping his brother might sing with him, or maybe Ireena will save the group form his poor attempts at distraction and keeping the mood up. If that seems to fail, he'll as a last resort, start asking for stories of the Baron's home and minstrels, characters and na-er do wells; anything to pass the time and distract from the many graves and gloom around them.
Ireena doesn't go for Splitz advances and tends to stay closer to Izmark.
You guys take the road northwest, following it for around a half hour before the road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest’s edge.
Splitz doesn't seem to mind Ireena's rejection; you get the feeling he is use to it and he definitely notices Ash's reaction to his attempts. Later as they walk along the road, Splitz races to catch up to Ash who is customarily setting the pace. He speeds up and begins to pass him, which leads to Ash speeding up as well. As both men race ahead. He casts a glance backward and notices they have widened the gap with the others. His plan all along so that his words are not likely to be heard from those behind.
Speaking more silently than normal. My good man, I noticed you have interest in the fair maiden as well; and why wouldn't you. She is a tragic beauty in need of rescue for sure. Any chivalrous red-blood man would be. Listen, I am man with a girl in every village, town, and city I ever spent more than a few days in. She can clearly tell that and that's not what she wants. I'll back off and let you give it a try with her. He pauses, then smiles at his comrade. Not letting the man reply, he jogs back toward the others.
Del what do you think of the clouds over there, will we have rain?
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As they reach the gypsy camp, Well this looks like it will be an entertaining evening; I hope they have better wine than they did in that little berg you call home, Izmark. He breaks into a jesting smile. As they approach.
I think I know that tune..da da; da da, la da da. He begins to hum.
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Curious but not that curious, Del comments, Back home I’d say rain, but around these parts, who knows! I wouldn’t mind a town with people who laugh and jest; I wonder if there are any around?
As we approach the tents, Del asks if the Baron would mind making introductions and inquire about Madame Eva.
Ash opens his mouth to reply to Splitz, but he is gone before the paladin has a chance to utter a sound. He looks over his shoulder at the retreating figure and his eyes narrow in curiosity before he turns back to his silent watchfulness at the front of the group.
As the party approaches the tents, Ash holds up a hand to halt the rest of his group. I shall go and ascertain if it is safe for us to enter. He states flatly. Wait here. He looks back at the party, his eyes lingering a moment longer on Ireena before he turns and walks to the tents, alone.
As if summoning the rain with his words the dark storm clouds over Barovia begin to pour down a torrential downpour of rain shortly before you arrive at the Vistani Camp. Despite the rain as you aproach the frivolity of the Vistani is not dampened by the rain. Dancing, singing, and drums covered in rain water echo the Vistani camp. Several Vistani men and women drink from whole bottles of wine.
As Ash growes closer a large vistani man seemingly sober approaches you armed with a large curved sword. He glances at you with a serious expression for a moment then glances up the road at the others. Then a broad smile crosses his face as he chuckles loudly. I am Zsolt! Welcome welcome! Come join us friends around the fire for some song a drink!
Entering the encampment with his scimitar sheathed, Ash looks for someone who looks to be in charge. Spotting Zsolt, he greets him with some formality. What ho! I am Ashterouth Mourningstone and these.. He gestures to his allies some yards away. Are my companions. We seek safe passage in this terrible land and perhaps a safe location to rest for the evening. If you could spare a few seats around your fire, we only need the relative safety of a group. I would be willing to take your most unfavorable watch tonight. We also have an innocent maiden who needs protection. What say you?
Spiltz watches Ash's exchange with the Vistani bruiser from a short distance off.
Looks like a pleasant exchange. I suggested we begin to move up.
He begins to slowly advance.
Of course, of course. What better place for a weary traveler then around a Vistani fire! Zsolt motions you all into the camp.
Black on black, a raven’s wing
A pretty girl waits for a ring
A pretty girl waits for a feast
A humble glance before a priest.
A Vistani man with a tenor voice sings a song alongside a hurdy-gurdy.
Red on black, a boy lies dead
The Devil came and took his head
The Devil came down from the mists
His lightning blade, it never missed.
Black on blue, a raven soars
A boy is free of all the wars
A boy is free of all the lies
He pays a visit to his bride.
Black on black, a raven’s wing
A girl in white dress does not sing
A girl in white dress only cries
Of black on black up in the skies.
The Vistani all look at you as you enter, and immediately begin to offer you wine skins and the best seats next to the fire. A young female Vistani looks at you all with a grin Two brothers, a lord, a man with horns, a maiden fair, and warrior heir. Eva said all six of you would come.
Indeed it is I, the lord, hahaha, the Baron Splitz Von Blitz. He takes an offered wineskin and sits down next to the young woman who spoke of Madam Eva's prediction.
And might we see Madam Eva, after we've warmed ourselves a bit?
Of course The Vistana girl lays her head on Splitz shoulder. While waiting by the fire, Zsolt begins to share a tale.
A mighty wizard came to this land over a year ago. I remember him like it was yesterday. He stood exactly where you’re standing. A very charismatic man, he was. He thought he could rally the people of Barovia against the devil Strahd. He stirred them with thoughts of revolt and bore them to the castle en masse. “When the vampire appeared, the wizard’s peasant army fled in terror. A few stood their ground and were never seen again.
The wizard and the vampire cast spells at each other. Their battle flew from the courtyards of Ravenloft to a precipice overlooking the falls. I saw the battle with my own eyes. Thunder shook the mountainside, and great rocks tumbled down upon the wizard, yet by his magic he survived. Lightning from the heavens struck the wizard, and again he stood his ground. But when the devil Strahd fell upon him, the wizard’s magic couldn’t save him. I saw him thrown a thousand feet to his death. I climbed down to the river to search for the wizard’s body, to see if, you know, he had anything of value, but the River Ivlis had already spirited him away.
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Del turns to Diaz and says, The Vistani are a chatty bunch, aren't they!
Thanks for the spot at a fire and a pull from the skin. This is what I've been longing for since entering this odd land. My soul weeps for the people of this area and the evil Count Strahd who scourges you. Looking at Zsolt he says, What role did your group play in the uprising? How many did you loose to the count? And you never did hear of the wizard again?
As he is talking he's looking over the people gathered together, hoping to spot Eva from afar.
We had nothing to do with the uprising, just watched from a distance. Zsolt says That wizard is dead, no one could survive that fall, washed away by the River Ivlis.
You do not spot Eva, though you don't know what she looks like truth be told.
A sad tale indeed and cautionary to boot. The wizard was right about one thing it takes more than one brave soul to deal with him. But it has to be the right souls; the wizard was wrong to encourage the villagers they never stood a chance. It was like leading lambs to the slaughter and he paid the price as well it seems. Splitz comments.
What other tales can you tell, ones that don't end in death by Count Strahd; are there any brighter stories to be told here? He asks trying to lighten the mood.
The Vistani are happy to share many tales that are somewhat brighter and put you all in a merrier mood after a while of drinking and conversing Zsolt says But we have chatted and drank for long enough I'd say, you are here to speak with Eva. Come follow me. Zsolt leads you to one of the nearby tents and holds open the flap for you to all enter.
Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. At last you have arrived! Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips.
Eva cackles The ball, the cards, visions of things of the past, present, and future. I see great tragedy in your past Akeldama and
Ashtaroth Mourningstone.
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Looking to evade a conversation too close to home, Del addresses the question at hand. We all have tragedy in our lives. That is no big guess. I don't mean to doubt you, I just want to know why you sought us out. We clearly don't have the strength to fight Strahd. We barely survived a few of his hounds and he could have easily wiped us away before we ever had a chance to meet you. What do you feel we bring to the situation? Or more to the point, how can we help this land? What would you have us do? Del speaks with a sudden intensity, at odds with the recent food, drink and lively conversation he was enjoying.
True, all who live or enter Barovia suffer from great tragedy and i have the misfortune of seeing all. I can see in your hearts that your tragedy you wish to keep secret. She presses her index finger to her mouth Shhh.
And also true you all don't harbor the strength to defeat Strahd von Zarovich many don't. But I can see the future, red eyes that will shut forever. The distant vision and distant hope of success. But you needn't walk without a clear path. Eva places a deck of cards on the table before her. One of my daughters had given you a reading before, the ties that drew you to this land. I will give you a reading of how to save it.
The Baron nods as Del fires in his questions, the answers of which they all want to know. He leans in close as the fortune teller reaches for her deck, eyes affixed to the cards and hanging on her every word.
At the mention of red eyes shutting forever, Diaz looks up alarmed and looks for a reflection to see how his eyes look now. (Ooc) read that tiefling eyes reflect either black or red cant remember which (/ooc)